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Dumfries & Galloway Cases Panel updated
09.08.04
We have had a busy year with wide ranging cases across
the region. The busiest areas are Dumfries and Wigtownshire. Fortunately
the applications in the Machers, Wigtownshire are mainly upgrading and
renovating (to a high standard), many of the almost derelict buildings
in Wigtown and Whithorn. This regeneration is having a remarkably positive
effect on these towns and is encouraging the growth of new businesses.
Wigtownshire
The Old Grapes Hotel, Whithorn
Fortunately the application to demolish this listed building was refused
by Historic Scotland. The Public Inquiry due to take place last September
was cancelled. The property is now being marketed for sale by the Council
through Shepherds commercial estate agents. The building is in appalling
condition and was recently vandalised. However the buildings on the site
are remarkably little altered, the main building facing George Street
is a substantial late 18th / early 19th century traditional structure.
The smaller buildings in the yard behind may have been brew houses, kitchens
and at the rear of the site the intact stable block still exists. This
is a unique collection of buildings and it is to be hoped that a restoring
owner would return this complex to its former glory. We will continue
to press for all the buildings on this site to be regenerated.
Annandale
Annan
During the autumn the panel visited the town, one of the most interesting
towns architecturally in the region. Alas until recently many of the fine
buildings have been neglected and historic parts of Annan altered and
lost. However a new museum group are making great progress in raising
awareness of Annan's historic past. The Old Academy, Thomas Carlyle's
old school, empty for a number of years, is to be turned into a museum.
There will be a modem extension to the rear which will enhance the building
and will also emphasise the entrance to Port Street, one of the oldest
parts of Annan, leading down to the harbour. Work is proposed to dredge
the harbour and regenerate some of the housing and eventually perhaps
the remaining warehouses. Sadly until a few years ago this whole area
was complete with warehouses dating from the 18th century and perhaps
earlier. 18th century terrace houses, villas and public buildings remained
largely unaltered but very run down.
The Structure Plan: Stewartry
This has recently been published and we have commented on certain aspects
of it. Mainly on the proposed additions to listed buildings which seem
very restrictive and we feel will prevent inspired design. Perhaps this
will inhibit often the lively designs we have had from previous generations
of architects in the region. Would David Bryce get away with it now?
Churches
Unfortunately all over Scotland churches are becoming redundant. Proposed
closures are beginning to become fact in this region. At St Cuthbert's
in Kirkcudbright's town centre, the tower was found to be in such serious
structural decay that the minister felt that the church faced closure
due to lack of funds for repair. The congregation have rallied and have
so far raised a considerable sum towards restoration, so hopefully this
church will continue in use. Unfortunately Greyfriars' Church in Dumfries
is under serious threat of closure. This church, category A listed, by
John Starforth 1866-8, built in a striking Gothic style, is very much
a feature on the corner of Church Crescent and Castle Street, overlooking
the Burns statue. It has a very fine interior. Any change of use could
seriously jeopardise the existing features and the future of the building.
Dumfries
Moat Brae
Category B listed, possibly Walter Newell, Moat Brae is a Greek revival
villa last used as a private nursing home. There is a proposal to turn
it into a hotel and restore the J M Barrie garden. Sadly the villa was
vandalised a few weeks ago and considerable damage done to internal features
including the domed glazed roof. Hopefully it will be restored and the
scheme will go ahead.
Marchfield House
Now listed at category C, the house still remains boarded up but has passed
to a new owner with the rest of the site. Below the house, off the Edinburgh
Road, a large and ugly fitness shed has been built. This has been clad,
in parts, with red sandstone, no doubt to blend in with earlier architecture
nearby! An application was submitted to convert the coach house and stable
to a house. This is a very fine and well designed small building, which
we feared would be demolished. The plans showed a sympathetic approach
but we commented on over large Velux windows and the encroachment of modern
houses, far too close to the front of the coachhouse. We await the outcome
of this.
Pat Woodley
Panel Secretary
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